Ebola: NCDC Approves ₦100,000 Weekly Payment For Contacts

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has approved an emergency payment of ₦100,000 per person weekly for individuals placed in isolation or quarantine following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed the decision during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, October 25, 2026, explaining that the financial assistance was introduced after some contacts complained about the cost of feeding, accommodation and supporting their families during public health monitoring.

Idris said the intervention was intended to ease the financial burden on affected individuals and encourage their cooperation with health officials carrying out contact tracing and other containment measures.

He explained that the payment was not part of the agency’s original response plan but became necessary because of the emergency. The arrangement, he added, would be reviewed as the situation developed.

The NCDC chief also stressed that preparing for public health emergencies should not be the responsibility of the Federal Capital Territory alone. He urged state governments to make adequate financial and logistical provisions for contact tracing, isolation and other response activities in their jurisdictions.

The announcement comes as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja on October 20.

According to Idris, Nigeria had recorded one confirmed case as of Sunday’s briefing, while 53 primary contacts had been identified for monitoring. They include healthcare workers, household members, domestic staff and personnel involved in collecting samples from the patient.

Public health teams are assessing contacts according to their level of exposure and monitoring them throughout the 21-day period following their last possible exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms is expected to undergo prompt medical assessment and testing.

Idris also disclosed that one contact who reported feeling unwell had tested negative, while surveillance and follow-up activities continued.

The agency is strengthening infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, training health workers and supporting the availability of protective equipment and laboratory supplies.

The confirmed case involves a woman who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. Health authorities are continuing investigations and monitoring contacts to reduce the risk of further transmission.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to rely on verified information, avoid spreading rumours and cooperate with public health officials as the response continues.